First-timer’s 24-day tour: North and South India highlights explored

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi!

Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market as your hotel is located in this vicinity or if you want to have rest then full day is for leisure and rest. Night stay is in Delhi.

Gain a unique perspective of Delhi. Embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. Enjoy an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city. [ Please note that City Walk is closed on Sundays and holidays and this activity will not run on those days ]

Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.

In time you will be transferred to Delhi railway station to board overnight train for Jodhpur. Night is on board.

Arrive in blue city of Jodhpur. After fresh n up explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India. The fort is still run by the Jodhpur royal family. If you choose to visit, you can explore the palaces, galleries, and artillery inside the fortress walls and admire great views over the city. Later opt to visit to one of the oldest markets in India – the Sadar Bazaar. Here you can haggle over Bollywood soundtracks, bangles, leather shoes, and colourful saris, or simply soak up the energy of a typical Indian market. Jodhpur is home to some of the best lassis in India, so make sure you try one while you’re here.

In the evening learn the secrets behind making the perfect Indian thali during cooking class which we have arranged for you.

This morning take an auto-rickshaw to the bus station and board a local bus for an 8-hour journey to Udaipur. This romantic city is set amid the Aravalli Hills and curls around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century.

On arrival in Udaipur take an auto-rickshaw to your hotel, get yourself check in at the hotel. After some relaxation explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, and miniature paintings.

Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. See the palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water and their own reflections. Otherwise, you could tour the lakeside City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan, where you can check out vivid murals and royal antiques.

Morning get transferred to Udaipur railway station to board a day train for Tordi Garh. On arrival to a station near Tordi Garh you will be transferred to this heritage property which is located in the heart of Rajasthan. The village has everything that a discerning tourist expects in Rajasthan Proximity, Wilderness, Cultural experiences, unspoilt atmosphere, Hillocks, Dunes, Lakes, old step wells, Archageological sites, temples, Jeep, camel cart and horse rides are just to name a few. Night stay is in TordiGarh

Full day is to enjoy the vicinity of this place. You can opt for many things such as camel cart ride to the dunes, jeep safari where you will see 300 years old step well or go for exploring the shepherd village. If you are good hiker then go for hiking to 400 years old Tordi fort nearby, or just simply have a village walk.

Night stay is in Tordi

Drive to Jaipur. then head out to explore Rajasthan’s capital which includes a visit to the market and the beehive-like Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in 1799 so that women of the royal family could observe street festivities without being seen by the public. Your evening is free, so perhaps ask your leader to point out the best place to grab dal baati (dal served with wheat rolls).

Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match. After the tour, you'll have further free time to spend as you wish.

Later carry on Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of intriguing astronomical instruments.

Late afternoon you will be driven away to Agra. Night is in Agra.

Early risers will visit Taj Mahal for a very memorable sunrise. Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal attracts over three million visitors each year. While you’re here, be sure to visit the spectacular Red Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the fort was originally designed to be a military structure. If you have extra time, you may like to continue onto Akbar's Mausoleum to pay your respects to the great emperor. In the evening, board a 12-hour overnight train to Varanasi (Third Class AC).

On arrival in Varanasi this morning transfer to your hotel. Situated on the banks of the massive Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi, one of the ancient in India, symbolizes much of the mythos and culture of Hinduism and has been a center for the devotion of Shiva for over 1,200 years.

Many trusts that this is the site where the divine and significant worlds collide, offering it a mystical property that is heightened by the countless thousands of believers who voyage here to bathe in the sanctified waters of the River Ganges.

Later this midaf ternoon visit the Buddhist places at Sarnath where Buddha conveyed his first sermon after getting enlightenment.

In the evening join a memorable aarti ceremony on the banks of the river. The stunning ceremony comprises rituals accomplished by numerous priests, to the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras. Your opinion on Hinduism and the worship of the River Ganges will be much richer after the ritual and it is not to be ignored.

A spectacular early morning boat ride along the holy Ganges past some of the numerous ghats that line the banks, involving some that are used exclusively for public cremations.

Wake up early and experience one of the highlights of your time in India. This morning, jump in boats and watch the sunrise over the Ganges. Pilgrims bathing, cremation fires and riverside haircuts - India is best before dawn and this is the way to see it.

Return to your hotel and then head to board your flight for Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Morning drive to Mysuru. While driving to Mysuru visit the Chennakeshava Temple in Somnathpur, which is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture. On arrival at Mysuru check in at your hotel.

Mysore is an easy going town with a pleasant climate. Go on a walk, checking out the ornate Mysore Palace along the way.

If you’ve seen all you need to in town, perhaps explore the countryside surrounding Mysore. Climb up Chamundi Hill to the Sri Chamundeswari Temple at the top, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Night stay is in Mysuru

Buckle up, because most of today is spent by private vehicle to Ootacamund (approximately 4 hours). Often stated as ‘Snooty Ooty’, it was here that the game of snooker was named and arguably created.

Extend your legs discovering the town’s Hindu temples or stroll through what almost feels like the English countryside. Ooty is pleasantly mild in the summer but can get cold in winter, so make sure you come prepared with sufficient clothing.

Today spend the day exploring Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, which are home to over 650 species of plants and trees. Alternatively, get a little bit romantic with a boat ride on the lake. Full day is for leisure and rest. Night stay is in hotel

Today, board Ooty’s renowned toy train for a ride along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Be sure to get a window seat for great views over the lush countryside. On arrival at Conoor drive to Madurai . On arrival check in at your hotel

Madurai’s Tamil roots stretch back 2500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India. Wander the lamp-lit maze of the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and goddess Meenakshi. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which exhibits a detailed account of India’s struggle for independence along with the bloodstained dhoti the famous leader wore when he was slayed.

This morning, get organized for a day of travel as you head by private vehicle to Periyar National Park (roughly 4-5 hours). After checking in to your hotel, head out on a tour of a local spice farm. Walk through the winding passageways among the plantations as the aroma of cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla dawdles in the air. Take in the beauty of the cardamom flowers, enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunlight soak in through the leaves of the pepper plants encircling you. Subsequently, enjoy a relaxed evening around your accommodation, possibly settling in for an early night.

After breakfast, enjoy a free day with an optional walk around Periyar National Park. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour, but do keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants, or gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, calm down with an optional ayurvedic massage or just relax in your scenic setting.

Today drive to Thodupuzha for relaxation in a home stay. Staying at this resort is a truly unique way to relax and unwind in our peaceful and unspoiled heaven. You can enjoy home grown produce freshly cooked as you sample gourmet traditional Keralan food and join the professional chefs in our state-of-the-art kitchen in informal learn-to-cook sessions.

Morning you have ample of opportunities to do

Opt for cycling on the village road A Kerala Village is not cluster of houses as you see in other parts of the world. You see small farms, with the houses of the owners in the centre. You see the real people, their struggle to live. They are not like the shop keepers and street merchants that you see in the destinations and cities. Other option is milking the cow, or gain hands on experience in farming. This home stay give many options to enjoy the stay. Night stay is in Thodupuzha.

Today the drive to Alleppey reveals this tranquil backwater region of Kerala. Boarding a houseboat, you cruise along this very intricate network of canals, lakes, lagoons and rivers called the "Venice of the East." Monitor Kerala's rural lifestyle as you glide past tiny villages sprinkled with rice fields and witness a way of life that has changed little through the ages. With women washing clothes on the river banks while children play in the shallows and kingfishers dart among the palm trees. Night is on Houseboat.

After disembarking from your floating villa drive to Kochi

Kochi, a principle port and center of the Malabar Coast spice trade since the 14th century. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," it was here that the first European settlement in India was recognized by the Portuguese. Successively, the city was ruled alternatively by the Dutch and the British until its independence

Kochi Sightseeing

Today, view 16th century St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. Head to the harbor where local fishermen continue to use cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, distinctively unique to Kochi, living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast dating back to the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. Spend the rest of the day on your own in Kochi. Time to relax before tonight's colorful Kathakali dance performance, Kerala's popular classical and emotional form of dance, drama and music

Following the performance, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant

In time you will be transferred to Kochi airport to board your flights for onward journey. Tour Ends